Mayor Jonathan Cote is inviting community members to help the city build a brighter future for New Westminster.
On Dec. 1, Cote was sworn in as New Westminster’s new mayor, after serving three terms as a councillor. Bill Harper, Patrick Johnstone, Jaimie McEvoy, Chuck Puchmayr, Mary Trentadue and Lorrie Williams were sworn in as councillors.
“I’m proud to be here and honoured by the confidence you have placed in me as your mayor,” Cote said. “We live in a great city. During my time as a city councillor, I was reminded of that fact time and again. Whether out in the community, learning about a new program or initiative being developed by a local organization or community volunteers, or here in council chambers, listening during open delegations as citizens expressed their views, it’s always been clear that New Westminster is a community rich with talent, energy and ideas. In the months ahead, I look forward to working with everyone in our city to harness our assets and ensure our community continues to thrive and grow.”
Cote said citizens have made it very clear that the city needs to work hard to address some key priorities.
“Time and again, transportation was raised as front and centre on the minds of residents. It’s no secret that New Westminster’s geographic good fortune of being located at the very centre of the bustling Metro Vancouver region can also work against us as we move about our community,” he said. “As your mayor, I pledge to work with council and staff to explore strategies to build a transportation system that works.”
Cote said the city needs to begin implementing recommendations contained in the master transportation plan. While there is no magic or easy solution to the challenges we face, he believes the implementation of the master transportation plan is essential to addressing the community’s biggest issue.
“We also need to be prepared to look outside of our borders. New Westminster is part of a larger transportation system and many of the issues we face are regional in nature,” he said. “Next year Metro Vancouver residents will be asked to participate in a transportation referendum. The success of this referendum will be critical if our region is going to create an efficient and sustainable transportation system for the future.”
Cote said the city must also continue to work at ensuring New Westminster’s local economy remains strong. In the next four years, he said the city needs to recognize the importance of preserving its commercial and industrial lands, while exploring new ways to build on the city’s strengths and creating new opportunities for employment and economic growth.
“One such opportunity exists in Sapperton with the future Royal Columbian Hospital expansion, which presents us with some unique opportunities for maximizing economic benefits for our city,” he said. “Working with Fraser Health and other key stakeholders, we will explore ways to leverage both new and future projects in close proximity, such as the Brewery District and Sapperton Green. With city initiatives currently underway such as Intelligent City and District Energy, we’ll provide the modern infrastructure necessary to attract and retain the businesses of the future.”
On the parks, culture and recreation front, Cote said priorities include redevelopment of the Canada Games Pool, completion of a Fraser River walkway that links the entire waterfront and Queensborough with a new pedestrian bridge from Quayside.
“We’ll also explore the promotion of public art through beautification of public infrastructure and new ways to activate our commercial areas by supporting the creation of parklets and of outdoor seating at cafes and restaurants throughout the city,” he said.
Cote said the city will also explore the development of an additional artificial turf field, encourage special events, parades and festivals on streets and continue efforts to build a community that works for everyone by pursuing affordable housing initiatives, family-friendly development policies, additional child care facilities and a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
“As we work towards all of these goals, we realize that we can’t do it on our own. Our success depends on how well we as a council harness the ideas, passion and knowledge that rest in the hearts and minds of our residents,” he said. “To do this, we will look at new ways to make it easy and convenient for residents to give feedback to council.”
The city needs to move beyond traditional forms of consultation and embrace true collaboration with our residents, Cote said.
Cote topped the mayoral polls in the Nov. 15 civic election, defeating four-term incumbent mayor Wayne Wright. He said Wright has been part of the city’s progress in the past decade that’s included creating new public spaces like Westminster Pier Park and bringing new developments to the city that are attracting new residents and spurring business growth.
“Many have played a part in the progress I’ve just mentioned, but where we are today is in no small part due to the tireless efforts and vision of a man I have a tremendous amount of respect for. Throughout his tenure, His Worship Mayor Wayne Wright has driven our city forward. His unbridled energy and enthusiasm for this community, and his experience, have served our city well,” he said. “Wayne, it has been said that the definition of success, or a big part of it, is to leave the world a bit better than you found it. By that definition, you have achieved success 10 times over. On behalf of councils, past and present, and of every resident, business person, organization, volunteer and Royal City ‘booster,’ thank you for your service. New Westminster is a better place today because of you.”
Cote also thanked longtime Coun. Betty McIntosh for her “strong representation” of the community during her years of service on council.
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